Genus NETTIUM

This genus, containing the Common Teal and some allied species, differs from Anas in having a smaller number of tail-feathers, 14 or 16 as a rule, in the narrower bill, and in the smaller size of the birds. The differences from Chaulelasmus and Mareca are also slight.

Key to the Species.

a. Sexes different in plumage.
a1. Secondaries bronze-green near coverts, black towards ends………………….. A. formosum, p. 442.
b1. Outer secondaries black, inner green………………….. A. crecca, p. 443.
b. Sexes alike.
c1. Outer web of 1st secondary white, of 7th - 9th bronze, of others black………………….. A. albigulare, p. 444.